Baptist Health’s new technology helps in early detection

Baptist Health is using a new advanced computer-aided detection system to assistradiologists in helping to identify breast cancer earlier in women.

The system, developed by VuCOMP, is called M-Vu CAD and works by analyzing mammographic images and marking areas of suspicion using sophisticated mathematical algorithms.

Baptist Health is also using in tandem with M-Vu CAD another tool called M-Vu Breast Density to evaluate the appearance of structures and textures in the breast to differentiate between fatty and dense regions.

While a few other hospitals in Florida use VuCOMP’s advanced computer-aided detection, Baptist Health is the first in northeast Florida to use the technology and the first in the state to use VuCOMP’s automated breast density, according to the company.

"We are very pleased that Baptist Health has decided to bring to its patients M-Vu CAD and M-Vu Breast Density, two powerful imaging technologies for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Jeffrey Wehnes, president/CEO of VuCOMP. “Baptist is the first provider in Florida to have the pair. This demonstrates a strong commitment to offering patient access to the most advanced breast imaging tools available."

Christine Granfield, MD, medical director of Breast Imaging for Baptist Health, said VuComp’snew system is more accurate at highlighting abnormalities, calcifications or masses. “VuCOMP utilizes the most advanced aerospace digital informatics in their technology,” Dr. Granfield said. “VuCOMP, compared to other Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) companies utilized, offers a far superior product with more accurate marks and far fewer erroneous marks as we have seen in other products.”

She added that, “The technology is like having another set of eyes to look at the images. We are excited to be the only Health System/Center in northeast Florida utilizing this advanced technology.”

The added breast density technology also helps to more accurately assess a patient’s level of breast density, Dr. Granfield said, which can be important information for the referring physician regarding managing the patient’s care. “The future of early detection lies in the hands of radiologists equipped with advanced imaging and analysis tools,” Dr. Granfield said. “With these advanced tools, they will further help extend lives, shorten treatment times and reduce costs.”